Essential
to our programs’ success is the support of network and studio creative
executives as well as supportive production teams from series such as
ABC’s American Crime, Grey’s Anatomy, Dr. Ken, Once Upon A Time, Scandal and The Goldbergs; Freeform’s Pretty Little Liars, Stitchers and The Fosters; and Disney Channel’s KC Undercover, Mech-X4 and Liv and Maddie.

The Writing Program introduced me to a number of fantastic writers and
executives. The Creative Talent Development team guided me while I was
in the program and they have become invaluable mentors. This program
jump-started my writing career, and it continues to impact my career in
a positive way.

- Bryan Oh (2007)

Co-Executive Producer, Zoo, Chicago Fire

I was already an editor on Grey's Anatomy, but being selected for The
Disney | ABC Directing Program was a watershed event for me. It gave
the producers the assurance that ABC was behind me and invested in
seeing me succeed as a television director which led to my directing
debut on 'Grey’s Anatomy.' The program was instrumental in exposing me
to network and studio executives, and it’s reassuring to know that I
now have advocates in my corner!

- Susan Vaill (2010-12)

Episodic Director/Editor, Grey’s Anatomy

The Disney | ABC Directing Program was an integral ingredient in
launching my career as a working television director. Not only did it
give me invaluable access to professional sets which facilitated my
transition from student filmmaker to professional one, but it also gave
me the opportunity to study the craft of directing with some of the
best directors working today. Finally, and most critically, it gave me
a job – directing my first network credit 'Grey’s Anatomy.' What more
can I say? I love the program and would encourage anyone serious about
directing television to apply.

- Seith Mann (2005)

Episodic Director, Grey’s Anatomy, Elementary, Californication

I will always be grateful to the Disney│ABC Writing Program for
launching my career. It gave me a crash course in the industry
and provided me with exceptional mentors and an invaluable support
system, both of which continue to champion my voice as a writer today.

- Sierra Ornelas (2010)

Supervising Producer, Superstore, Brooklyn Nine-Nine

I owe everything to the Disney | ABC Writing Program. They supported
me, they groomed me and they gave me my first break as a staff writer.

- Peter Saji (2007)

Supervising Producer, Black-ish, Cougar Town

Being accepted into The Disney | ABC Directing Program was a huge step
for me and opened the door to landing my first primetime directing
assignment on 'Pretty Little Liars' for ABC Family. The program gave me
access to the network executive who championed me to the show. I then
got the opportunity to shadow and form relationships with the
showrunners who ultimately pushed for me to get my shot.

- Zetna Fuentes (2010-12)

Episodic Director, Pretty Little Liars, Switched at Birth

The program gave me all the footholds I needed to get my start as a TV
writer. From the necessary writing skills of breaking story and
punching a script up, all the way to getting an agent, and how to
behave in meetings. I was as green as they come, and can't think of how
else I could have gotten started.

- Peter Murrieta (1994-95)

Executive Producer, Cristela, Wizards of Waverly Place

The Disney | ABC Directing Program forced me to move out of my comfort
zone. I believe comfort zones are where dreams go to die. The program
is allowing me to realize a dream...and that is priceless.

- Regina King (2012-14)

Episodic Director, Scandal, Southland

As Mr. Disney said, ‘If you dream it, you can do it.’ And, this year my
dream came true. My journey started with my love for dance at a very
young age, which led me to acting where I discovered my true passion
for directing. It was a goal of mine to be accepted into the Disney │
ABC Directing Program, which provides much needed support to break into
the competitive world of episodic directing. In 2012, I made the cut!
Through the exposure of the program, I directed an episode of Disney
Channel’s 'Shake It Up' and now I am a member of the Directors Guild of
America. I did it!

- Kimberly McCullough (2012-14)

Episodic Director, Pretty Little Liars, K.C. Underscover, Shake It Up

The Disney | ABC Writing Program was integral in jump-starting my
writing career. Not only did it teach me the skills necessary to
surviving in a writer's room, the program also helped me get my first
job as a staff writer. I strongly encourage all aspiring writers to
apply!

Writing Program

The Disney | ABC Writing Program accepts applications annually.

The
submission period typically opens during the month of May. In December
writers are selected to participate in the one-year program which
typically begins in February. The application is only available on this website during the open
submission period. When available, updates for submission periods will
be posted on our pages.

Production Associates Program

Outreach Events

Program Acceptance

Vist our Facebook page for announcements about selected program participants.

Material Submissions

For legal reasons we are only able to accept material that is accompanied by an application to one of our Creative Talent Development programs.

Unfortunately, we will not accept unsolicited material submissions
as it must be submitted by an agent, manager or entertainment attorney.
This includes scripts, directing reels, acting videos and headshots.